Phillip EdwinTexas is home to a growing and highly respected landscape for optometry education, with established programs and a new school on the horizon to meet the increasing demand for eye care professionals. The state is home to two fully accredited optometry schools: the University of Houston College of Optometry and the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry.
A third public optometry school, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Optometry, is planned to open in Fall 2027, which will significantly expand educational opportunities in the state. This list includes the currently operating optometry schools, as well as pre-optometry advising programs at universities across Texas that help students prepare for the rigorous admission process.
Top 15 Optometry Schools In Texas
1. University of Houston College of Optometry (Houston)
The University of Houston College of Optometry is the oldest and most established optometry school in Texas, having been founded in 1952 and serving the state and the American Southwest for over 70 years. It is one of just 17 optometry schools in the United States and is the only one in Texas and the Southwest. The college offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program requiring 177 semester credit hours, and students gain extensive clinical experience at the University Eye Institute, providing care to approximately 45,000 patients annually.
The school is also home to the Visual Optics Institute, the only center in the world devoted to the study of visual optics. Approximately 105 students are admitted each year, and the college requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree and have completed prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
2. University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (San Antonio)
The University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry is the second optometry school in Texas, located in San Antonio. It offers a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program and provides students with a comprehensive education in eye care. The school is fully accredited and is a key institution for optometric education in South Texas.
3. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Optometry (Edinburg)
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Optometry received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in January 2025 and is expected to welcome its inaugural class in Fall 2027. This will be the second public optometry school in Texas, addressing healthcare shortages in the Rio Grande Valley.
The four-year, 189-credit-hour curriculum is modeled after the top five optometry programs in the U.S. for national board examination pass rates, and the school plans to enroll about 40 students per cohort. Dr. William L. Miller has been appointed as the inaugural dean.
4. Lamar University Pre-Optometry Program (Beaumont)
Lamar University offers a pre-optometry program that provides students with the prerequisite coursework needed for admission to optometry schools. The program advises students on the required courses, including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics, and helps them prepare for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
5. West Texas A&M University Pre-Optometry Specialization (Canyon)
West Texas A&M University offers a pre-optometry specialization for students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree. Students typically complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Biochemistry, which fulfills the prerequisites for Texas optometry schools and prepares them for the OAT. The university provides pre-optometry advising to guide students through the application process.
6. Texas State University Pre-Optometry Program (San Marcos)
Texas State University offers a pre-optometry program that helps students prepare for admission to optometry schools. The university provides resources and advising to help students complete the required prerequisite coursework and build competitive applications.
7. Texas A&M University Pre-Optometry Advising (College Station)
Texas A&M University provides pre-optometry advising for students planning to apply to optometry schools, helping them navigate the complex admissions process with expert guidance. The university helps students complete the necessary prerequisite coursework and prepare for the OAT and the application process, ensuring they are well-prepared for competitive optometry school applications and the rigorous demands of professional education.
8. University of Texas at Austin Pre-Optometry Advising (Austin)
UT Austin offers pre-health advising for students interested in optometry, helping them navigate the prerequisites and application requirements for optometry schools with comprehensive support and resources. The university provides guidance on coursework, extracurricular activities, and the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS), ensuring students have a complete understanding of the application process and can present themselves as competitive candidates.
9. University of Texas at Dallas Pre-Optometry Advising (Richardson)
UT Dallas provides pre-optometry advising for students pursuing careers in optometry, with advisors who are knowledgeable about the specific requirements of optometry schools. The university offers guidance on completing prerequisite courses, preparing for the OAT, and building a competitive application for optometry schools, helping students strengthen every aspect of their application profile.
10. Baylor University Pre-Optometry Advising (Waco)
Baylor University offers pre-health advising for students interested in optometry, providing guidance on the prerequisites and the application process within a supportive faith-based academic environment. The university helps students prepare for the OAT and complete the required coursework, while also emphasizing the importance of service and leadership in building a well-rounded application for optometry school.
11. Texas Tech University Pre-Optometry Advising (Lubbock)
Texas Tech University provides pre-optometry advising for students in West Texas, offering personalized support to help them achieve their career goals in optometry. The university helps students complete the prerequisites for optometry schools and prepare for the OAT and the application process, with a focus on serving the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities in the region.
12. University of Texas at Arlington Pre-Optometry Advising (Arlington)
UT Arlington offers pre-optometry advising for students interested in pursuing a career in optometry, with dedicated advisors who guide students through each step of the preparation process. The university provides guidance on completing the necessary prerequisite coursework and preparing for the OAT, helping students build strong academic foundations and competitive applications for optometry schools across the country.
13. University of North Texas Pre-Optometry Advising (Denton)
UNT provides pre-health advising for students planning to apply to optometry schools, offering comprehensive support from experienced advisors who understand the optometry admissions landscape. The university helps students complete the required prerequisites and prepare for the OAT and the OptomCAS application, ensuring they meet all deadlines and submit polished, competitive applications to their target programs.
14. Texas Christian University Pre-Optometry Advising (Fort Worth)
TCU offers pre-health advising for students interested in optometry, providing guidance on the prerequisites and the application process within a supportive liberal arts environment that emphasizes critical thinking and ethical leadership. The university helps students prepare competitive applications for optometry schools, with advisors who help students highlight their unique strengths and experiences.
15. University of Houston Pre-Optometry Program (Houston)
The University of Houston offers a pre-optometry program that provides undergraduate students with the prerequisite coursework needed for admission to the College of Optometry, creating a natural pipeline to the university’s professional program. The university also supports the Pre-Optometry Professional Society (POPS), which helps students connect with the College of Optometry and learn about the profession through networking events, guest lectures, and volunteer opportunities.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Houston College of Optometry | Houston | Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) | Established 1952, Visual Optics Institute, 105 students/year |
| 2 | UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry | San Antonio | Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) | Fully accredited, serving South Texas |
| 3 | UTRGV School of Optometry | Edinburg | Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) | Opening Fall 2027, second public school in TX |
| 4 | Lamar University Pre-Optometry | Beaumont | Pre-Professional Advising | Prerequisite coursework and OAT preparation |
| 5 | West Texas A&M Pre-Optometry | Canyon | Pre-Professional Advising | Biology/Biochemistry pathway |
| 6 | Texas State Pre-Optometry | San Marcos | Pre-Professional Advising | Advising and resources for applicants |
| 7 | Texas A&M Pre-Optometry Advising | College Station | Pre-Professional Advising | Expert guidance, comprehensive support |
| 8 | UT Austin Pre-Optometry Advising | Austin | Pre-Professional Advising | OptomCAS guidance, complete application support |
| 9 | UT Dallas Pre-Optometry Advising | Richardson | Pre-Professional Advising | OAT prep, competitive application guidance |
| 10 | Baylor University Pre-Optometry | Waco | Pre-Professional Advising | Faith-based, service and leadership focus |
| 11 | Texas Tech Pre-Optometry Advising | Lubbock | Pre-Professional Advising | West Texas focus, rural health emphasis |
| 12 | UT Arlington Pre-Optometry | Arlington | Pre-Professional Advising | Personalized advising, strong academic foundation |
| 13 | UNT Pre-Optometry Advising | Denton | Pre-Professional Advising | Comprehensive support, application preparation |
| 14 | TCU Pre-Optometry Advising | Fort Worth | Pre-Professional Advising | Liberal arts, ethical leadership focus |
| 15 | University of Houston Pre-Optometry | Houston | Pre-Professional Advising | POPS student organization, direct pipeline to UHCO |
Success Tips for Applying to Optometry Schools
Start by completing a bachelor’s degree, as all optometry schools in Texas require an earned bachelor’s degree before matriculation.
Complete the prerequisite coursework, which includes biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and other sciences.
Take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and strive for a competitive score, as successful applicants should have an above-average GPA and relatively high OAT scores.
Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to handle a demanding course load.
Apply through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS). For students seeking undergraduate preparation, pre-optometry programs at universities like Lamar University, West Texas A&M, and Texas State provide valuable advising and support.
For the University of Houston College of Optometry, there is no minimum GPA for application, but the college will generally not consider applicants with an overall GPA less than 3.00 to be competitive.
Closing
Texas offers a growing and high-quality optometry education landscape, with two fully accredited schools and a third public school planned to open in 2027. The University of Houston College of Optometry has been training optometrists for over 70 years, while the UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry provides education in South Texas. The upcoming UTRGV School of Optometry will expand access to optometric education in the Rio Grande Valley.
With strong pre-optometry programs at universities across the state, Texas provides clear pathways for students aspiring to become optometrists. Note that all information, including program details and start dates, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through official resources like the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.